Pregnancy & Baby 

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Travelling during pregnancy

It's fine to do work trips or holiday abroad with your bump but take a few simple precautions, say the Maternity Alliance

If you can choose when to travel during pregnancy, then the second trimester (weeks 14 to 27) is the best time. Morning sickness will be behind you and the chance of miscarriage is lower at this stage. If possible, avoid travelling abroad in early pregnancy until routine blood tests, scans and other screening tests are completed.

You can't be guaranteed a complication-free ride through pregnancy so:

• Find out as much as you can about the medical services at your destination.
• Make sure you get the right type of medical insurance.
  Not all package insurance deals or standard policies cover pregnancy and you may need to pay additional premiums.

Vaccinations during pregnancy

If you're pregnant, you're advised not to travel to countries requiring vaccinations. If this can't be avoided, consult your doctor because as a rule, live vaccines are not given during pregnancy. If you have to visit a country that insists on yellow fever vaccine, check with your travel agent to see
if you'll need a certificate of exemption from your GP. The immigration authorities may demand this before they let you in.

Taking anti-malarial drugs

Chloroquine and Paludrine are powerful drugs and though they're considered safe to take during pregnancy, it would be better to holiday in a non-malarial area and avoid the need to take them, just to be on the safe side. If you have to visit a country where malaria is rife while you're expecting, discuss your plans with your GP.

Flying during pregnancy

It's fine to fly but if your pregnancy is complicated by medical problems such as spotting, diabetes, high blood pressure or a previous pre-term delivery, check with your doctor or midwife before you book.

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